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Bounce Back – These 10 hits played a significant role in helping actors bounce back from career slumps. Every actor faces challenges in their career, and sometimes setbacks can make it hard to maintain a steady rise. However, the resilience shown by these actors proves that with the right role, a comeback is always possible.
From iconic films that changed their trajectory to performances that reignited their careers, these actors have proven that bounce-back moments are a key part of showbiz. Whether it’s a transformative performance or a hit film that reintroduced them to the audience, their journeys remind us of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
1. Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)
Ayushmann Khurrana’s Bollywood career took off with a bang in 2012 with Vicky Donor, setting high expectations for his future. However, his subsequent films, including Nautanki Saala, Bewakoofiyaan, and Hawaizaada, didn’t quite live up to the hype. It wasn’t until his performance in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a delightful romantic comedy set in 1990s Haridwar, that he made a strong comeback. This sleeper hit, made on a modest budget, went on to earn over ₹30 crore, cementing his return to success.
2. R…Rajkumar (2013)
Shahid Kapoor, once touted as the next big Bollywood superstar since his debut in 2003, has faced a challenging journey in the industry. While his performances in movies like “Jab We Met” and “Kaminey” remain memorable, several of his subsequent films, such as “Mausam”, “Teri Meri Kahaani”, and “Phata Poster Nikla Hero”, failed to impress at the box office. However, 2013 marked a turning point with the successful comedy film “R…Rajkumar”, directed by Prabhudheva, which earned nearly ₹70 crore. He followed this with the critically acclaimed “Haider”, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, which also surpassed ₹50 crore in earnings. Despite setbacks like “Shandaar”, Shahid Kapoor remains one of Bollywood’s top performers.
3. Cocktail (2012)
Before Deepika Padukone became a Bollywood superstar and started racking up hit after hit, her career had some bumps along the way. Movies like “Lafangey Parindey,” “Break Ke Baad,” “Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey,” and “Desi Boyz” didn’t bring her the success she hoped for. However, her breakthrough came with her bold and vibrant role in Homi Adajania’s “Cocktail”, which earned ₹71 crores at the box office. This success was followed by a string of hits, including “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” “Chennai Express,” “Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela,” “Happy New Year,” and “Piku,” solidifying her place as one of the top actresses in Bollywood.
4. I Hate Luv Storys (2010)
Imran Khan’s Bollywood career had a promising start with his debut in “Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na” in 2008, but his journey faced challenges with films like “Kidnap” and “Luck.” However, his fortunes changed with the romantic comedy “I Hate Luv Storys,” directed by newcomer Punit Malhotra. The film earned over ₹43 crore at the box office, helping restore Khan’s boy-next-door charm. Despite this success, Imran struggled to maintain momentum in his later films, leaving audiences underwhelmed by his recent performances.
5. Wanted (2009)
Believe it or not, Salman Khan’s movies didn’t always dominate the box office. After a series of average films like “Yuvvraaj,” “Heroes,” “Hello,” and “God Tussi Great Ho,” his career took a turn with the action-thriller “Wanted.” Directed by Prabhudheva, the film earned ₹61 crore and marked Khan’s comeback as the fearless hero audiences adored. Since then, with massive hits like “Dabangg,” “Bodyguard,” and “Ek Tha Tiger,” Salman Khan has firmly established himself as one of the top stars, ruling the industry without looking back.
6. Koi…Mil Gaya (2003)
After the overwhelming success of his debut in “Kaho Na Pyaar Hai” (2000), Hrithik Roshan’s career faced a slump with films like “Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage,” “Mujhse Dosti Karoge,” “Na Tum Jaano Na Hum,” and “Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon.” However, his fortunes changed with his father Rakesh Roshan’s sci-fi film “Koi… Mil Gaya.” The movie grossed ₹19 crore at the box office and earned Roshan numerous awards, marking his successful comeback and reaffirming belief in his acting prowess.
7. Munnabhai MBBS (2003)
After his impressive performance in the action drama “Vaastav” (1999), Sanjay Dutt struggled with a series of underwhelming films like “Kurukshetra,” “Pitaah,” “Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin,” and “Hathyar.” However, his career experienced a revival with Rajkumar Hirani’s “Munnabhai MBBS,” a heartwarming comedy-drama. The film grossed over ₹7 crore in India and became part of a successful franchise. It remains one of Dutt’s most cherished roles, marking a turning point in his career slump.
8. Saathiya (2002)
After the monumental success of “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), Rani Mukerji faced a rough patch in her career. For the next four years, she appeared in several films like “Hello Brother,” “Badal,” “Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye,” and “Mujhse Dosti Karoge,” which failed to make a significant impact. However, her career received a major boost with Shaad Ali’s romantic drama “Saathiya.” The film, a remake of Mani Ratnam’s Tamil movie “Alaipayuthey,” earned ₹4 crore at the box office, bringing Rani back into the spotlight. Following that, she delivered several hits like “Hum Tum,” “Black,” and “Bunty Aur Babli,” re-establishing herself as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses.
9. Mohabbatein (2000)
After a brief hiatus in the mid-90s, Amitabh Bachchan made his return to the silver screen. However, his roles in films like “Kohram,” “Hindustan Ki Kasam,” and “Sooryavansham” didn’t quite resonate, as they didn’t align with his real-life age. The turning point came with Aditya Chopra’s “Mohabbatein,” a film that earned ₹25 crore at the box office and breathed new life into Bachchan’s career. It positioned him as the only actor of his age who commanded such immense influence and respect in the industry.
10. Jaanwar (1999)
Akshay Kumar was initially known for his action-packed roles rather than his acting prowess. Films like “Keemat,” “Barood,” “International Khiladi,” and “Zulmi” faced negative reviews from both audiences and critics. However, his career took a turn with Suneel Darshan’s “Jaanwar.” This heartfelt father-son story earned nearly ₹10 crore at the box office and proved Kumar’s versatility, allowing him to shine in more sensitive roles.
All information is sourced from popular movie websites such as Bollywood Hungama and IBOS Network.
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Conclusion
These hits not only revived the careers of these actors but also highlighted their talent, resilience, and ability to overcome setbacks. From iconic roles that shaped generations to transformative performances that garnered critical acclaim, each of these successes played a pivotal role in defining their careers and ensuring their enduring impact on cinema. Their dedication and skill transformed career challenges into triumphs, inspiring both audiences and fellow artists.
